Academic Comparison between VCU and UMass Amherst

Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. VCU is located in Richmond, VA and UMass Amherst is located in Amherst, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,293) than VCU ($38,817).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than VCU.
  • UMass Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than VCU (1,160).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (26) than VCU (26).
  • UMass Amherst has more students with 32,229 students while VCU has 28,082 students.
  • VCU has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • VCU has more full-time faculties with 2,183 faculties while UMass Amherst has 1,452 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia Commonwealth Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Richmond, VirginiaLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$16,233
Out-Of-State$38,817
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,357
Out-Of-State$39,293
73%% Receiving Financial Aid77%
$11,794Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,636
93.06 %Acceptance Rates57.77 %
25.49 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.15 %
1,160SAT Score1,390
26ACT Score31
64 %Graduation Rate83 %
20 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
85 %Retention Rate90 %
28,082Student Population32,229
2,183Number of Faculties1,452
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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